Design Phase One: Initial Design Boards

As time has crawled by on our end, waiting for new developments in the progression of house plans, our architect (Jeannette Architects) has been busy pulling together all the different aspects of good design, from engineering to contractors to interior design.  Most recently he's introduced us to an interior designer that he's worked with in the past, who will be helping us pull together some of the finishes and design for the interior of the house.

In an attempt to gauge which direction we want to head in with the design of the house, she put together 3 design boards representing different ideas for, or approaches to, a cohesive whole.

First up, the very modern scheme with bright punches of color:

Design Notes:

• White finishes and light wood throughout contrast with the dark wood and bright colors. 
• Glossy finishes and aluminum accents keep the look fresh and bright.

My Thoughts:

• The white and aluminum feel too bright for the style of our house--I'm looking for colors and design that embrace nature a bit more.
• Some of the selections don't feel substantial enough for this house.  I think we need some "weightier" colors and forms to balance with the scale of the house.

Second, the traditional mid-century look, slightly updated for current sensibilities:

Design Notes:

• Earth tones: brown, green and amber, team up with varied wood finishes for a warm feel, contrasted by a creamy white.
• Different ceiling variations to lighten the open beam ceiling while maintaining character.

My Thoughts:

• Overall I'm much more attracted to this palette.  It's much more inside/outside earthy, giving me the soothing feeling I'm after.
• I like the combinations of textures, which I think adds a lot of depth and that substantial feeling I'm after.  

Third, a beach-inspired palette that lands somewhere in-between mid-century and modern:

Design Notes:

• A cool, almost dusty, color scheme is combined with glossy white and wood, resulting in a peaceful, casual, relaxing atmosphere.
• All the modern design of the first board balanced with the mid-century look gives a new yet timeless feel.

My Thoughts:

• I like the idea of balancing the modern with the mid-century and adding in the beach-inspired element of relaxation.
• Leaves me craving some color.  I don't think the element of interest is quite high enough, although that should be an easy tweak.

Overall thoughts:

Since these are very general moods/ideas, and since it the very first round in design, I have to keep reminding myself to focus on the bigger picture rather than picking at the details.  Generally speaking, then, the first scheme doesn't feel substantial enough for this house.  I think it is too modern in some ways.  I like that there is a bit more color, but otherwise it doesn't really work for me.  I love the second scheme (the wood and textures and earthiness) although in some ways it's a little too traditional for me.  I think it needs livelier colors as well.  The third scheme has the fewest things to pick on, but also doesn't seem to have a lot of character.  The white and grey make it slightly too 'cold' for my taste.

As the design progresses, I think we'll be finding a balance between scheme 2 and 3.  Also, we'll be finding more ways to add some color, and trying to decide on some of the main flooring in the house.

It's exciting to be getting closer to actual construction, as well as a little nerve-wracking to be making some very important decisions.